Batsmen dominate in GCA pre-finals double-header

THREE clubs blasted over 300 runs in the final Grassmere Cricket Association round at the weekend.

Hawkesdale, Killarney and Panmure were dominant with the bat on Saturday, building match-winning innings on their way to wins against Grassmere, Wangoom and Purnim respectively yesterday.

Ladder leader Yambuk finished its season with a win over Mailors Flat.

The Buks will play fourth-placed Grassmere in a semi-final showdown next weekend, while second-placed Killarney will host reigning premier Panmure in the other knock-out final.

Hawkesdale finished its season on a high, recording a 100-run win against finals-bound Grassmere.

It belted 5-327 in a dominant innings on Saturday against the undermanned Meerkats.

Openers Brad Smith (109) and Murray Habel (106) put on a 171-run opening stand — Smith recording his debut century on the way.

With only nine fielders to avoid, they each hit 10 fours in their devastating spells at the crease. Lachie Glare chimed in with a quick-fire 56 to nudge the score past 300. Grassmere was gallant in reply, making 8-227, veteran Peter Sedgley posting an unbeaten 69 and skipper Chris Lenehan 63.

Hawkesdale captain Josh Julius said his side would carry momentum from the win into next season.

“It was a super win to finish the season,” he said.

“It was about 10 weeks too late but the boys put it together and showed what they’re capable of.”

Killarney skipper Brett Halliwell celebrated his first century for the Crabs as they set Wangoom 3-326. Halliwell’s 101 included nine fours.

“I had a bit of luck. It was a team effort and the blokes who came in after me stepped the run rate up,” he said.

Brendan McMahon (74) and Brendan Chatfield (64) were also prolific, while Joel Henry made a quick-fire unbeaten 70 off 21 balls. Henry’s explosive innings included five sixes and four fours.

Halliwell and McMahon shared in a 156-run opening partnership.

Wangoom’s Chris Mahony made 52 not out as his side was dismissed for 190 in reply. Jason Hutchins made 55 in Killarney’s second innings of 4-87.

Panmure set a commanding 9-308 on day one against Purnim.

Chris Bant hit three sixes and seven fours on his way to a game-high 78. Daniel Meade (63) and James McKinnon (63) were also dangerous.

McKinnon and Bant put on 131 for the first wicket.

Purnim skipper Greg Bull was the pick of the Bulls’ bowlers, finishing with 6-39 off 16 overs.

The Bulls declared at 8-82, with Tom Mahony (3-11), Sam Mahony (2-6) and Pat Mahony (2-17) best for the Bulldogs.

Panmure had a second dig, making 4-68.

Minor premier Yambuk capped its home-and-away season with a 141-run thumping of Mailors Flat.

Kevin Watts (66), Patrick Sinnott (63) and Kym Eagleson (43) all made solid contributions with the bat as the Buks posted 7-270 on day one.

Mailors Flat resumed at 0-34 yesterday and was all out for 135 in the 52nd over.

Meanwhile, Hawkesdale secured the under 15 colts premiership on Friday night, securing a seven-wicket win over Wangoom. The latter batted first on day one and was restricted to 84.

Lachie Sinclair top scored with 27, while Hawkesdale bowler Tate Gardiner was damaging with 4-9. The Cats chased down the total, finishing on 3-100. Gardiner (20), Josh Chatfield (22) and Jacob Linke (20) made the bulk of the runs.